Chelsea held by Palace in frustrating opener

TDT | Manama

Email : hussainm@newsofbahrain.com

Chelsea were brought back down to earth after their Club World Cup success as they were held to a goalless draw by Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.

A banner celebrating the Blues as “Champions of the World” was unfurled before kick-off, but the mood was far more subdued by full-time as Enzo Maresca’s side failed to break down last season’s FA Cup winners.

Palace thought they had taken the lead early on when Eberechi Eze curled in a free-kick, only for the goal to be disallowed because a teammate was ruled to be in the defensive wall.

Chelsea handed league debuts to João Pedro and Jamie Gittens, but it was 19-year-old defender Josh Acheampong who impressed most, standing out with a composed display at the back. Brazilian teenager Estevão injected energy after coming on in the second half and might have snatched a winner late on, but fired over from Marc Cucurella’s cross.

“We competed until the end and tried to win the game,” said Maresca. “Estevão showed great personality — he will be a very important player for this club.”

Palace manager Oliver Glasner, meanwhile, faced questions about Eze’s future amid reported interest from Tottenham and others. “It’s the club’s decision and we will see what happens,” he said.

After a summer highlighted by victory over Paris St-Germain in the Club World Cup final and strong pre-season results, Chelsea’s league return proved a reminder of the Premier League’s demands — and the challenge still facing Maresca’s young side.